Haut-de-Cagnes - Medieval village

650 residents have chosen to live in this neighborhood, designated a “historic site” in 1948, which has managed to preserve the tranquility of village life, away from the hectic pace of the French Riviera. The patina of centuries, stones steeped in history, narrow, flower-lined, shaded alleyways, and unique views of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour—all combine to captivate visitors in search of authenticity. A Unique Destination on the French Riviera Haut-de-Cagnes has managed to preserve the mystery of Provence’s fortified villages while also welcoming visitors who explore it. A labyrinth of steep, cobblestone-paved alleys, vaulted passageways, flower-lined staircases, eye-catching houses, unique viewpoints, and artists’ studios—Haut-de-Cagnes reveals itself with every step… Renoir, Soutine, Modigliani, Ziem, and Klein all fell in love with it… now it’s your turn! Guided Tours: *By reservation on the following days: Fridays, May 22 and 29, and June 5 and 12, 2026 Reservations required at: [email protected]. For cancellations, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance via the same email address, specifying your name and phone number. (Price: €3 – Meet at the foot of the Grimaldi Castle Museum). -The Grimaldi Castle Museum: The jewel of the medieval village Built around 1300 by Rainier Grimaldi, Lord of Cagnes, this fortified castle withstood sieges and assaults before being transformed around 1620 by Baron Jean-Henri Grimaldi into a stately residence combining the charm and opulence of a palace. Acquired by the town in 1937, it became a municipal museum in 1946 and was designated a Historic Monument in 1948. Today, it serves as a magnificent setting housing the Olive Tree Museum, the Solidor Collection, and exceptional Baroque painted ceilings. The Grimaldi Castle-Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as numerous concerts. Guided Tours: October through May: Wednesdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. June through September: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11 a.m. Meet at the entrance to the Grimaldi Castle-Museum. Guided tour fee: €3 (+ €4 for museum admission). - La Maison des Artistes La Maison des Artistes is a municipal building that has been on loan since 1954 to the “Peintres de Cagnes” association, which completely renovated it in exchange for the right to exhibit their works there. This building hosts group exhibitions of contemporary art by artists from Cagnes, as well as regional, national, and international artists. The fall and spring exhibitions are reserved for artists from Cagnes. The trompe l’œil decorating the building’s façade was created in 1999 by a training workshop in Nice and has recently been restored. Place du Château Open: Wednesday through Sunday (free admission). -The Church of Saints Peter and Paul The church, which had become too small to accommodate all its congregants, was restored and expanded in the 16th and 18th centuries. The work, completed in 1762, doubled the church’s size, with the taller nave visible on the right side; a main entrance portal was also added. It can be seen from the church square located behind the building. At the time, the parish of Cagnes had a population of 1,200. Inside the church, you can admire several 18th-century religious paintings, including the canvas adorning the high altar, which depicts the handing over of the keys to Saint Peter. The Stations of the Cross paintings, created by the artist Charles Barkev for the Jubilee 2000, are unique in that they feature residents of Haut-de-Cagnes who agreed to pose to illustrate the Passion of Christ. Hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the summer (free admission). -The Chapel of Our Lady of Protection In the 14th century, a small oratory was built on this site, located outside the town walls along the road to Italy. This building consisted of two sections: an apse and an open nave intended to serve as a temporary refuge for pilgrims. The original apse still stands; it was decorated with frescoes by Andrea de Cella around 1530. It was not until 1936 that Father Malplat discovered by chance the 16th-century frescoes that had been hidden beneath a layer of plaster. Following this discovery, the chapel was designated a Historic Monument on April 4, 1939. Be sure to visit the interior to see these naive and colorful frescoes, depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and the childhood of Jesus. Location: Haut-de-Cagnes, at the intersection of Montée du Château and Rue Hippolyte Guis. -The Painters’ Côte d’Azur Following in the footsteps of the great masters, this itinerary takes you through Haut-de-Cagnes (12 display stands) and the Renoir Estate (2 display stands), inviting you to discover our landscapes immortalized by some of the greatest painters (Renoir, Soutine, Derain, Johnson, Vallotton…). The display stands feature reproductions of the great masters’ paintings and are set up outdoors in the medieval village at the very spots where the original works were created—the exact locations where the painters set up their easels.